Hi All,

Both pairs of my wading boots recently came apart on me.

Orvis Pack Wading Shoe
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=84cx

Have had the older version of these canvas Orvis boots for about 5 years. Sole finally separated for good in the river over the weekend. They were good for travelling, but not very comfortable:



Simms Freestone Boot
http://s.stpost.com/eccstorefront/product_images/1154w/f_1154w_1.0.jpg

Have had these Simms boots for the past 10 years. Very heavy, but very stable on slick rocks and surprisingly comfortable for all day wades. The leather finally cracked after me forgetting to give them some mink oil after a trip. I think Simms has updated the design. Mine had the all leather toe with no rubber cap.



I think I'd like to go for a good all around boot that would be equally at home in Gunnison and Ray Roberts. I don't get cold that easily, but would like something that provides good support. I would like to keep it under $150, unless someone swears that spending more than that would make a big difference.

I haven't used a lot of wading boots, but for the money it's hard to beat the Cabelas Ultralight Wading Boots. They're $70, and Cabelas is famous for their customer service. They may not last as long as Simms or Orvis, but at that price it's not much of an issue.

Those look pretty good, have you had them on some pretty slick rocks? I had a pair of Cabela's hunting boots a long time ago. They were great!

Those look very heavy duty with tons of support and heavy. I think I want something a little bit more of compromise that would work well in a kayak, could be worn with and without waders, etc.

The two that have caught my eye as of late are the Simmm's Rivertek Boa and Patagonia Riverwalkers

I've got the newer version of the Simms Freestone boots with the vibram sole. I added carbide cleats. They are pretty comfortable and I haven't had any problems with wearing them all day. I have to think they've upgraded some of the features from your old boots.

Anyhow, they grip on rocks pretty well with those carbide cleats and they also grip well when hiking out of the water through mud and grass.

They make a felt sole if you are worried about slick rocks. Not sure if they've banned those in TX. They're not heavy at all, but incredibly light.

I have a pair of Korkers that I like. I can wear them comfortably all day. With the interchangeable soles, I have my choice of felt, cleats, or hard rubber lugs if I have a long hike to the water. Seirra Trading post has them 30-50% off or about $60. They have excellent customer service. The first pair I ordered was too small. They had a larger pair in the mail the day after I called them. That was in 2007. I don't know if they're still as good. I bought some extra soles (also on sale) when I ordered the boots.

-TM

I've heard many horror stories about Korkers. Enough to scare me away. I'd be weary of them.

I've read the stories also. Mostly about the exchangeable soles. I read that they've changed the design, but I haven't had any problems with mine. Still, I'd check the reviews before buying them.

On the Korkers, stay away from the Omnitrax V2. They pissed off a lot of people with that version. I tried them and they did not stay on good at all. I contacted Korker's and they switched them out with the V3, which is completely different and much improved. They sorted out the problems--no failures so far. I am still on the fence about the BOA lacing system, but they are super comfortable and light, even when wet which is something that others haven't completely figured out (even Simms and Orvis). I love the ability to change them out from hiking to rubber, felt, studded.

Never tried Simms, but the best sticky rubber I've used is LL Beans version. LL Beans are also pretty light.

I have LL Bean, Simms and orvis and they're all great. For the price the LL beans are hard to beat. Plus I had em for 10 years and they upgraded me to a new pair for $30 when mine finally fell apart

I have those Cabela boots used them for close to 2 years. They are good for the money. I do see some wear but for the money what can I expect. The little padding came out of the bottom but didnt really matter because they are not much padding. I use more of my sock and wader foot for the padding. I have the spikes they came with drilled in. They hold well on most surfaces. The only place I have issues is the really really thick moss in the red river below texoma. I dont care what boot brand or bottom you have , no boot will be 100% on those rocks. I have seen everyone slip. I do like new Simms and they are about 200$ but not a fan of the rubber bottom. J

I dont know if you've ever used sandals, but thats all I use in the summer in the mountains. Bite makes felt sole fishing sandals with a toe guard. Great on rocks, and way cooler than waders in the summer.

Otherwise I would go with the cabelas boots.

Completely agree. If I'm wading in anything other than a coldwater stream, I'm doing it in sandals.

SIMMs are super nice. I also have a pair of Cabela's Gold Metal Wading boots, which double as hiking boots in addition to wading boots. Spikes may be added easily. Very comfortable and only $89

I fish in my Chaco's all the time. They are great! I rarely wear waders either unless it's really cold.

Sometimes a little more ankle support and toe protection makes
for a funner outing though.